A water meter is a measuring device that combines a flow meter with a counter. It allows you to determine water consumption in a building, giving values in cubic meters. If you want to learn how to install a water meter yourself, check out our guide!
From the article you will learn:
- how to install a water meter in an apartment,
- what factors should the water meter be protected against,
- what should be taken into account when starting for the first time.
General rules for water meter installation
Before you start installing the water meter , familiarize yourself with the general requirements for its installation. First of all, remember that under normal use the meter should be completely filled with water. Therefore, do not mount the water meter at a high point in the installation, as this could cause air to collect in it. However, if you have no other choice and the meter is at risk of impaired measurement accuracy or even damage, you must install a device on the inlet side that removes air from the water. Also avoid places near pumps.
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Keep in mind that when you install a water meter on a hot water pipe, there cannot be circulation in this installation . Also remember to ensure the correct position of the arrow on the device body - it should be consistent with the actual water flow. Before you start work, make sure that the installation conditions and its surroundings are favorable to the manufacturer's requirements for the use of the water meter for all input values.
How to choose a water meter for the internal water supply system?
To correctly select a water meter, it is necessary to know the volume of the water stream that the device will measure. It can be calculated by determining the flow in the section of the installation where the meter is to be installed . Its determination involves calculating a number of other values, such as pipe diameter or flow speed. A specially qualified designer is responsible for selecting a water meter in accordance with applicable regulations.
Where to install a water meter?
The water meter should be installed in a place that will primarily enable its trouble-free readings. Therefore, you should choose a space that is easily accessible, dry, well-lit and protected against interference by unauthorized persons . In the case of home installations, it is recommended that the room where the meter is installed be at least 1.8 meters high.
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The location of the water meter should facilitate its easy assembly and disassembly, as well as daily operation and maintenance. Readings must be possible from a distance of no more than one meter, preferably at an angle of 30 degrees. A poorly installed meter is indicated by, for example, the need to use a ladder or a mirror to access it.
Also pay attention to whether it is possible to separate the meter and the associated connection from the installation. Any replacement of the water meter should be done without the need to damage or remove parts of the structure. Therefore, at least one connector enabling such disassembly should be used.
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How to install a water meter in an apartment?
In preparation for installation , the pipeline should be flushed . All impurities should be removed to prevent unwanted elements from entering the water meter . During this operation, it is worth inserting an assembly tube in place of the meter, which will eliminate the risk of getting the meter screen dirty or damaging it . Also make sure that the screen protecting the water meter is properly fitted to it.
The water meter should be installed in the water supply system together with the appropriate fittings, thus creating a complete water meter set. It is important that the sections of the cable before and after the meter are made coaxially - only deviations of up to 5 millimeters are allowed. Also remember to adjust the operating position of the water meter to its type, in accordance with the marking. The letter H requires the device to be installed in a horizontal orientation, and the letter V - in a vertical orientation.
When installing a new water meter, you can use the mounting console as support. It guarantees permanent mounting of the device and completely eliminates the stresses generated in the water supply system transferred to the meter. Moreover, thanks to its design, it excludes the possibility of "twisting" the water meter set.
What factors should a water meter be protected against?
In order for the meter and the entire installation to function properly, the water supply connection must be protected against harmful factors. The most common causes of damage to water meters include:
- Low temperature - the temperature where the water meter is installed should be at least 4 degrees Celsius. For this reason, special measures must be taken to protect the connection against water freezing.
- Flooding - rainwater entering the water meter may damage it. Therefore, the device should be installed in the building, and if this is not possible, in a special water supply well that will protect the water meter set against unfavorable weather conditions.
- Shocks - protect the water meter against vibrations or impacts caused by nearby devices.
- Improper hydraulic conditions - neither the cross-section of the water supply line nor the direction of flow should change before and after the place where the water meter is mounted. It is also worth using a non-return valve, which prevents cold water from leaking into hot water.
Additional risk factors include too high water or air temperature, electromagnetic disturbances, but also intentional damage to the water installation. Therefore, do not forget to protect the water meter set against unauthorized interference. Install the meter in a place that prevents the consumption of unmetered water. It is also worth sealing the connectors on both sides of the water meter.
What should you pay attention to when starting the water meter for the first time?
When starting the water meter for the first time, make sure that water is introduced into the pipeline slowly, with the air vents open. Thanks to this, trapped air leaving the installation will not cause excessive speed of the meter, which could result in its damage. If a model with a radio reading function is installed, it will be activated after the first 7 liters of water flow through the meter.
The key to success when installing a water meter is to choose a product from an experienced brand. The BMeters company , whose articles you will find in our warehouse, has been present on the Polish and international market for over a dozen years. Its meters are characterized by a solid construction and the use of high-quality components. They guarantee effective operation, and the innovative technologies used in them translate into a long life of the devices and their comfortable operation. Trust the BMeters brand and enjoy efficient and intuitive water meter installation!